Looking for Vegas advice (kid friendly if possible)

[Blue Hog ridr]

Why do you mention, avoiding Chris Angel?

Maybe see David Blaine instead. Hes pretty cool.
Here is a preview.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYxu_MQSTTY

 

[Dustin_J]

Some other options might be the Neon Gravevard and the Pinball Hall of Fame/Museum.

 

[Gsitz89]

So next week is me and my son's Jr Nationals trip.

The only two things we have planned for sure is to play pool (well duh!), eat at the Rio buffet and go on the rollercoaster in one of the hotels (first roller coaster for him and first in a LONG time for me).

I am guessing there are no PG rated strip shows so anyone have any advice on where to take a 13 yr old in Vegas? Also keep in mind that said kid may be really pissed off that he lost two in a row during the Nationals and was done, although with how he's bee playing lately that is not too likely.

I do have to say that by order of the Wife, we Are Not Allowed To Visit National Parks and such Without HER Being There. Capitals are there based on how strongly she said that to me LOL.

So Hoover Dam is out, and places like that. Too bad, I was hoping to go on the Dam tour with the Dam guide.

I do plan on bugging the hell out of Justin from TAR to visit the studio with my son and see if can play a bit on that table, since he's going to be doing the live streaming for the Jr Nationals he'll have to put up with me at least for a little bit.

The rides on the stratosphere or just in general, Hoover Dam, that's about all I can think of personally. Been to Vegas lots but never been to a show so I can't recommend any.

 

[XSubmariner]

Ok, I worked out of Nevada for "Uncle" for years & I just comprised a list for a friend of mine who is there now and this is what I gave them.

At the Rio " The Show in the Sky " (free)

Another attraction at the Rio and something to see, it use to be $5 but I hear now they charge a lot more, however if you are staying there you might be able to get a deal and that the VooDoo Lounge (I believe that it on the 32nd Floor). During the day You can go through the lounge where you are actually on the Roof of the Rio facing the strip. They actually have all the furniture strapped to the floor with cables (I'm sure it a insurance requirement). Because since it is open air (on the roof) it's a long free fall to the ground. It's something to see at night however I know you are with a 13 year old.

The Mirage "Volcano" (Free)

For a Chocolate fix or just to window shop, M & M at the MGM Grand

The Venetian Grand Canal (Free)

Caesar's Forum shop Fountain Show (Free)

The Bellagio Fountain Shows (Free)

The Fremont Street Experience (7-11 on the hour) Downtown Be Careful, I hear they have cleaned it up but it not the same class of people that you run into on the Strip (Wallet in your front pocket) (Free)

The Siren's ( Pirate's Show ) at Treasure Island (Free)

I'm not a Treky but I went to the Star Trek exhibition (old and new) at the Hilton at the convention center off the strip and I enjoyed it, be sure to do the Motion Ride it was a good experience & a surprise ending.

 

[kaznj]

David Copperfield, Cirque du solei. Don't go to the Cirque where the women are topless. The others are ok.

 

[cyork2]

Great thread.. almost all of my ideas were mentioned.

The pinball hall of fame is an arcade - all playable - no entry fee just pay to play - a few blocks off the strip but opposite direction of Rio - http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

Stratosphere has an observation deck and several rides at the top. We go to the top every year to see how the city is evolving. Starting a ride from the top of that is quite the rush. I much prefer this to the coaster at NY NY (which is a physical beating) - just check online to see what all is open (there are 3 rides including a coaster which run around the top / outside of the hotel).

Bellagio fountains are my #1 attraction but the music probably won't be interesting to a 13 yr old.

I've seen most of the cirque de soliel events (enjoyed them) and I think blue man group would be better at 13 - lots of percussion / some comedy - definitely kid safe but fun for all ages.

Caesars Palace has one of the more interesting free things - in the middle of the mall area is the talking statues / light show (check timing online). Like every hour maybe?

Freemont Street downtown is good but definitely only at night.

Walking the strip is just crazy.. I've done it but every hotel has a minimum .25 mile driveway so the miles pile up quick. On a map they all look close together but it is misleading.

Oh and skip Circus Circus - that place is a run down dump (unless it has been updated in the past 2 years) - the layers of dust and neglect are very depressing. Maybe under 8 or 10 but by 13 he will likely think it is crap.

good luck

 

[Rip]

Would you consider taking Lou with you and your son? Lou seems to be struggling with the adult version of Las Vegas. LOL!

 

[Blue Hog ridr]

I saw the Pin Ball Museum on TV once. I think a youngin would be happy to get lost in there for a few hours. I know that I would probably have to get dragged out by my ear if I got close.

 

[kanecalgary]

Tournament of Kings at Excalibur is a meal and show in one. Good for all ages.

 

[JohnPT]

Red Rock Harley Davidson on Sahara and Rainbow; Las Vegas Harley Davidson on Eastern and Sahara are must visits (for me). Check out the bikes or even rent one out and ride to the Dam or wherever.

Also, there is a helicopter ride that goes over the Grand Canyon from the strip. But i dont know how much to ride.

 

[Blue Hog ridr]

When I was driving truck, I heard that they had something called Dude Ranches on the outskirts of Vegas. Considering that I grew up around horses, this intrigued me considerably.

So, one day I drove out to one. Well, what a stupid ranch that was. They didn't have any horses or a petting zoo with animals or anything.

All there was, was a bunch of women out there and they weren't even dressed up as cow girls. And to top it off, they looked like they had their PJs on and just got out of bed at 2pm in the afternoon. Some cow girls they would make.

What a serious disappointment that was. Pffft, and they wanted 100 bucks for admission as well. I told em I wasn't paying no 100 if they didn't have any bunnies or pigs to pet and feed.

 

[Shermanscs]

How about KISS mini golf: http://www.monsterminigolf.com/kiss/

 

[hang-the-9]

Want to take him to a show -- go see Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrahs. It is a daytime show - two shows daily and $30 plus tax. There will be plenty of kids in the audience and he calls a few up on stage to help him. I highly recommend this. (edited - looks like brian also suggested this.)

There are other kid friendly shows that are more expensive that he would enjoy such as LeReve or Love. These are more pricey. Some of the cirque shows are not for kids. You can read reviews to pick it out.

Beyond that, you can take him to see the fountains at the Bellagio at night. Treasure Island battle. These are obviously free. Just don't have him look back at the strip and see the billboards driving by for a 'girlfriend for the night' and keep him away from the Mexicans handing out girlfriend pamphlets as well.

Mark Wilson will be out in Vega$ on July 25th. Find him and talk about your son's future as well.

Wow, 3 pages already, thanks all, still reading all this hehe.

We just got back from the Snookers tournament, Alex won a set, lost two, same as last time. But this is against grown up B and A players, Jr Nationals will be a breeze after that. Dad was doing OK with 3 wins and one loss, till I blew a 3-0 lead on a losers side match to lose 3-3 after I missed a 9 with me on the hill at 3-1 (I was giving a game spot), oh well.

I met Mark before at last years Nationals and already talked to him on Facebook about him being there this year as well.

 

[hang-the-9]

I lived in Las Vegas for 3 years and am there a lot. I think Circus Circus trends more to younger kids... There is a great roller coaster at New York New York....... I would suggest doing it at night. For one it will be much cooler, though still hot. There are other attractions that will interest kids his age.....

A must DO There is a Zip Line that goes through the canopy downtown on Freemont street. Its between 20 and 30 each .... it will be an experience you wont forget .... also do it at night

Seems like the zip line is a favorite, will have to check it out. I hope the tournament schedule allows for some time. We ended up missing the McDermott factory tour in Milwaukee last year because the tour and ride times were just enough to his matches we could not find the time to go.

The coaster is already on his list, he said we are going there, period. The group from our state (which is 14 kids by the way, Go Mass!) is planning a trip to the coaster for the weekend.

 

[hang-the-9]

How about KISS mini golf: http://www.monsterminigolf.com/kiss/

This may be good, he likes mini golf although I don't think he knows who Kiss is

He does enjoy Metallica though, aside from his pool game he also has my rock music taste and is looking to end up a pretty good guitarist in the future. Along with his cue he has one of these

 

[KoolKat9Lives]

hang - you're getting tons of good info. Overwhelming, isn't it?

My GF has a 12 year old son we've taken a couple times in the last year, and he's been going since he was 5.

If you want to splurge on one meal - NO question - eat at the tallest place, best views in Vegas, "Top O' the World" at the Stratosphere - 105 stories up - it slowly rotates 360. The views are THE most amazing on the strip without a chopper and the food is seriously good. One story up they'll strap you in and toss you down 100 stories so you can vomit it out, lol. Paris is also a great place to eat for the experience.

Circus isn't top of line amusement park, but is still a blast for the right age. Good rides. Took my 12 yr old for his 1st coaster - he was white knuckled, bought the pic of it. Rode ride after ride for hours on end, til he was almost sick. Price is right.

On the free, after nightfall if you want to stroll - Treasure Island is next door to Mirage. Free pirate shows and powerful volcanoes (on the hour, sharp). Mirage has a decent "Zoo" with white lions, dolphins, caged pool players eating peanuts ++ for @ $14 (day time only). Nice lobby aquarium (my friend built it, lol).

Freemont St is mesmerizing at night. Perhaps to a 13 year old the most mesmerizing stroll - SO MUCH sensory titalation. Blaring fun music, blinding lights, zip lines overhead, shops, funnel cakes type food, young girls. He'll love it.

Venetian Canal ride is not free, and may or may not get a rise out of your son. It's more adult oriented at the entire incredible Venetian Resort. But walk through it, it's perhaps the most oppulent resort there - think Michelangelo on steroids with 80,000 tons of gold leaf to burn.

We expect a full report in the morning! Enjoy!

 

[Arlene]

The website www.vegas.com is very informational. It has a section just for kids entertainment. You'll find everything you want to know, including attractions, tours and current show listings.

Arlene

 

[Ken_4fun]

I would do the Dam tour and the Dam

I could understand if someone would only want to do something once. But I did the tour (a must) and the Dam and would certainly go AGAIN.

Ken

 

[1hit1der]

Discovery Children's Museum - lots of exhibits and hands-on stuff, he'll find something to entertain himself
Las Vegas Natural History Museum - if he's into that kind of thing
Mob Museum - worth looking in to

 

[LucasBilliards]

My wife and I go to Vegas a few times a year so we've found some cool spots that I think a 13 yr old would enjoy. The Pinball Hall of Fame is definitely cool, they have games from way back all the way to now. Affordable too, .25 games. If you guys do go to Fremont St there's a few things to do there, the zip line, the show on the canopy, cheap souvenirs, buy them there as opposed to the strip. Also at the Main Street Station, a block over from Fremont St next to the Plaza, up an elevator located in the front center of the casino, with a sign that says "Lift" is the antique room where there are 3 of the most beautiful tables I've ever seen. One is a snooker table. The elevator itself is pretty cool. There's a car museum in the Quad hotel that has some amazing cars. I'll make one restaurant suggestion, if you guys like seafood find Hot n' Juicy Crawfish, a must try. These are just a few things I could think of, have fun, I'm sure you guys will find plenty to keep entertained.